SCENE VI

_The_ EMPRESS, _then_ FAITHFUL PRINCE

EMPRESS [_Soliloquising_]

Such consideration has been shown me that I am terrified, more terrified than at torture and death. Why am I in his palace, instead of in a prison?----What can he, what dares he hope? What does he desire of me?

FAITHFUL PRINCE

[_In the dress of the_ TARTAR GENERAL, _running into the room and prostrating himself at the feet of the EMPRESS_] Oh! Heaven is merciful to grant me the opportunity once again before my death to prostrate myself at the feet of my adored Empress.

EMPRESS [_Calm but bewildered_]

You? You here?----Dear Prince----Have we then departed this life? Is this our reunion beyond the grave? If not, whence have you come, how, by what witchcraft have you passed these dreadful walls?

FAITHFUL PRINCE [_Still prostrated_] Boldness does not count the cost, when there is no longer anything to lose----And, beyond all doubt, the gods were with me---- Yes, I entered as if by witchcraft as you say, I passed the walls and the guarded gates----One of his soldiers acted as my guide----I gave him all the gold I had left. Forgive me, I am weeping, I know not whether for joy or grief. For joy it must be--since my only wish was for this one privilege--to see Your Majesty for the last time, to tell her on my knees of my passionate adoration----which at the gates of death cannot be an offence----and above all to offer her the wondrous gift, which will deliver her from the conqueror's worst outrages. My mission as faithful subject is now concluded by this last service, by the glorious present which I have brought to my Empress.

EMPRESS

Poison! [_With a triumphant cry of deliverance._] Ah!----

FAITHFUL PRINCE [_Offering her a dagger_] Poison, alas! I was unable to bring. This is the best I can offer.

EMPRESS

Ah, well, that will answer the purpose. Kill me before He comes!

FAITHFUL PRINCE [_Rising and drawing back in horror_]

My well beloved sovereign!----Ask not that of your faithful servant, who has always obeyed you. Do not command him to do what is beyond his strength.

EMPRESS

You will not?----Then give it to me! I will strike myself. I will make the attempt. I shall succeed.

FAITHFUL PRINCE [_Noticing that her hands are tied_]

But your hands----To think that I had not seen!

EMPRESS

Ah! That is true.

FAITHFUL PRINCE

I May I untie them? Have we time?

EMPRESS

No, it will take too long. Hide the weapon in the fold of my gown.

[_The Prince still hesitates._]

You do not dare? It is forbidden to touch your Sovereign! Nay, but you may do so, your Empress now is as one already dead.

FAITHFUL PRINCE [_Hiding weapon in her gown_]

But how will you be able to use it?

EMPRESS

_He_ will have them unbound, he before whom I shall soon appear. And then is not one permitted to change one's mind so near to death? I desired you to kill me before he came. Now I prefer to see him again, the Emperor.

FAITHFUL PRINCE

To see him again? You know then who he is?

EMPRESS

Yes. Stay with me until he comes.

FAITHFUL PRINCE

Oh, no! I must not be found here.

EMPRESS

What matters it now, at the point we have reached?

FAITHFUL PRINCE

Because--over yonder--the last heads are falling. They are calling for those that remain. It is time--my turn is coming. They gave me one hour's liberty on my word of honour. I do not want it to be thought that I have fled.

EMPRESS

Ah, yes! Then go, Prince. Farewell! I shall soon join you--you and all my faithful ones. Tell those who are about to die that I shall be with them soon----

[FAITHFUL PRINCE _hurries out._]